Equipment, Education and Support

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1 Equipment, Education and SupportHome SafetyEquipment, Education and Support

2 Home Safety EvaluationHave working phoneHave emergency phone numbers posted next to phone includingHave phone in the bedroomSmoke alarms and check the batteries monthlyIf you use walking aids, remove all loose carpets / throw rugsMake sure your exits from the home or apartment are clear from obstruction, corner tables, boxes, garbage, plants

3 Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and it is fullMake sure all walking areas are clear from throw rugs, and have non-slip surfacesKeep stairs in good repair, hand rails are secure, no rotten wood, no missing stepsInsure lighting is good to see, walk and perform your normal activitiesKeep home well ventilated in the summer and comfortable in the winterContact your utility company if you have difficulty paying utility bills

4 Keep all medication labeled and safely storedDispose of old medications, can take to pharmacy.Wash hands frequently – Better than Flu ShotKeep kitchen uncluttered and clean, don’t keep things near open flames or hot stoves.If you use oxygen keep fire department informed of where the spare tanks are. Oxygen tanks as well as fire extinguishers can explode in excessive heatOxygen doesn’t “burn” but will help a fire burn better!

5 Keep home free from rodents and insectsKeep electric space heaters at least 3 feet from walls or other items.Make sure it has an auto-off capacityWatch for floppy, loose fitting clothes they can drag across an open flame, get caught on something and cause a fall.If you smoke make sure you never do it in bed, and douse your cigarette with water before throwing them out

6 Insure you have running water, hot and cold for washing and toiletingIf you have wood burning fireplace make sure the chimney is cleaned at least every couple years and that the flue is open if using itKeep screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers and firesGas stove? Make sure it has an auto-pilot and be aware for the smell of gas

7 Always keep several “working” flashlightsHave a battery powered radioHave batteries, for all sizes neededHave enough food and water around for a minimum of one week – Maybe more!Have an emergency plan written downInsure that DTE and Consumers knows if you are dependent on equipment requiring electricity

8 ICE= “In Case of Emergency”Throw away any contaminated medical supplies or equipment properly, Needles in a bleach bottle or laundry bottleKeep a list of medications and medical conditions handy for any emergencyInsure you keep your “emergency number” of who to call on your cell phone listed as: “ICE” then the persons name.ICE= “In Case of Emergency”

9 Other Things to do!First off, you should never open the door for anyone unless you’re certain of who they are.Criminals are brazen and often ingenious. They can come up with all sorts of believable stories to get you to open the door and allow them into your home. Don’t be fooled.If someone claims to need help, volunteer to call the police, an ambulance, a tow truck, or whatever they need. But if you don’t know them, don’t let them in your house.

10 Instill this habit early in you children, and reinforce it constantlyInstill this habit early in you children, and reinforce it constantly. They’re naturally trusting of adults, and criminals know this and will use it to their advantage. For this same reason, all doors that open to the outside should have a wide angle viewer, or “peephole”, installed. They’re not expensive, and usually only require a drill to install

11 If you’ve got a flimsy or worn out door, replace it with a heavier, stronger model as soon as possible.And don’t neglect the frame – locks are no stronger than the doors and frames they fit in. If you’ve got a door frame that’s weak, the door can easily be kicked in.The best locks for home safety are deadbolts, and every door on your house should have one. Other types of locks are just too weak, and don’t offer much protection.

12 Also keep your garage door closed as much as possible, and always be sure it’s closed when not in use.Never leave it open over night.

13 Your second line of personal safety defense in the home is your windows.Make sure they’re strong, the frames are in good shape, and they can be locked securely. If not, invest in newer, stronger models.Take particular notice of sliding glass doors. These are notoriously insecure. Make sure they have strong locks, and are wedged shut when not open.Make some wood jams to fit in your windows to insure they can’t be forced open.

14 Good outside lighting is essential, as criminals don’t like to be seenGood outside lighting is essential, as criminals don’t like to be seen. Install motion activated lights around your house and driveway.At least keep your porch light on at night.A security system can also be an excellent investment. You’ll need to do some research to find the best one for your situation, and check with the local police for their policy on false alarms

15 More and more police departments are starting to charge homeowners for false alarm calls, and with a faulty system that can be costly.And always go with a well-known, reputable company who does background checks on their installers. You don’t want somebody installing a security system, then coming back and using his knowledge of your system to rob you. Never let anyone know your password.

16 These are the best things you can do to enhance your personal safety at home. They do cost money, but they’re worth it. And, as always, don’t let your security measures cause you to let down your guard.Always be aware – that’s the most important safety tip of all, no matter where you are

17 The Biggest Safety Issue Fall prevention for the elderlyAt least half of all falls happen at home.The aging population experiences falls that result in serious injuries, disability and even death.Maintaining home safety for the elderly starts by assessing your aging loved one, then the home environment it is an important part of elder health care.Here is a checklist of all the risk factors that apply to your aging loved one and your home.Circle the risk factors below that apply to your loved one. The more factors checked, the higher your risk for falling.

18 History of falling - 2 or more falls in last 6 months.Vision loss- If your loved one changes in their ability to detect or discriminate objects; you notice a decline in depth perception; or a decrease in their ability to recover from a sudden exposure to bright light or sun glare.Hearing loss- take notice to your loved one’s ability to hear. If they have decreased hearing it mat affect their response time to a potentially dangerous situationFoot pain or shoe problems – foot pain can affect walking and balance; neuropathies cause decreased sensation or feeling; sores on foot or ill fitting or badly worn shoes.

19 Medications- taking four or more medications; medications that may cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood pressure.Balance problems- observe you loved ones ability to walk; a decline in balance; a decline in speed of walking; observe for weakness of lower extremitiesHigh or low blood pressure- Both of these conditions or the medications that treat them may cause unsteadiness.Identify Hazards inside your homeIdentify Hazards outside your home

20 Falls are the #1 fear of aging adults and the #1 independence robberThe fear of falling is not unfounded. Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. The best thing you can do is learn how to prevent falls.More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resulting injuries.

21 Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility. At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home.The most profound effect of falling is the loss of independent functioning. Twenty-five percent of those who fracture a hip require life-long nursing care.About 50 percent of the elderly who sustain a fall-related injury will be discharged to a nursing home rather than return home.

22 Most falls do not result in serious injuryMost falls do not result in serious injury. However, there is often a psychological impact.Approximately 25 percent of community-dwelling people 75 or over unnecessarily restrict their activities because of fear of falling.There are proven strategies that can reduce your risk for falls and help you live a longer, healthier life.If you have issues of falling or fainting get an alert alarm system. “Help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” - These should cost ~ $50 / month

24 Grab BarsBe sure when installing the wall mounted bars that they are into studs, you may have to install a base board** If not properly installed you may grab the bar and come down with part of the tile!!!

25 Canes Standard Cane Have various colors and handlesSmall based quad cane, also have large based

31 Patient LiftsMost of the time the rooms aren’t large enough to accommodate the use of the lift.Electric and mounted lifts are not covered by Medicare or most insurances.Standard LiftsHydraulic LiftsElectric LiftsIn the corner room liftsCeiling mounted home lifts